Advisory Group to Review District RFPs

Consultant Eric Hall recommended Tuesday that  move forward with the creation of an advisory group to review the three RFPs submitted to the district for development of its parking lot.

Superintendent Joel Shapiro will ultimately choose the members of this group, who he says should meet before the end of the month. 

"My goal in selecting is to get a good cross-section including district employees, staff, parents and community members that represent a wide range of interests in the community," Shapiro told Patch after the meeting.  

RFP Criteria 

Currently, the parking lot generates $89,000 annually—approximately $5,000 from the Farmers Market and the remainder from film crews renting it out. 

The idea is that the development project would generate a significant increase in revenue for the district while adding value to the community.

RFPs on the table include commercial, residential and recreational use buildings. One of the three proposals was from the , which a couple residents stood to support Tuesday. 

The advisory group will review the RFPs in conjunction with Eric Hall based on predetermined criteria. The proposal must:

1. Generate long-term revenue for SPUSD
2. Efficiently transition district personnel and functions 
3. Make good use of current structures on property
4. Provide a design that respects historical nature of building
5. Comply with requirements of Mission Street City zoning and ordinances

After reviewing the RFPs, the advisory group could choose to object the proposals or move forward with one or more. 

The Parking Dilemma 

President Scott Feldmann says he's in favor of developing the surplus property, but asked the board Tuesday to consider the impact it will have on the . 

While he's aware parking will be compromised throughout the duration of construction, he hopes the final outcome will include adequate parking facilities. 

"We don't know what we will do over the six months to a year when we lose parking," Feldmann told Patch after the meeting. "It will definitely have an impact on the market."

Community Redevelopment Commission member Stuart Morkun agrees that parking is a problem is South Pas.

He came out to the City Council meeting Wednesday night to speak on the issue.

"Do we have a general plan in place that says: Build a below-grade garage for the school district site?" he asked Council members.

"That is the largest single and probably last opportunity to build cheap and efficient parking in the Mission Street area—and yet the school district has sent out a proposal for three developers that has no requirements for parking." 

Whether or not the district decides to make parking a priority, Hall did say Tuesday that the school board could add a sixth item to its list of criteria.